Exterior & Interior Ornamentation
We arrived at the Staff Shop and was amazed at the creations they make. The shop is one of the oldest and most historic manufacturers of exterior and interior ornamentation. Their products have been used in the motion picture industry for the re-creation of sets and facades from every architectural style and era.
An Open-air Trolley
On the VIP Experience instead of a four-car tram, we traveled around the back lot in a special open-air trolley. Our group had 11 people so we shared a bus with Mary’s group that departed at the same time as us. Both Matthew and Mary were knowledgeable on the past, present and future of the […]
What does a restroom, Emmy, and Queen Ravenna’s Mother have in common?
The restroom was done in a French design with paper hand towel imprinted with Universal VIP Experience. A cabinet in the lounge held the Emmy for 30 Rock Outstanding Comedy Series in 2009.Snow White and the Huntsman costume was on display.
A “Light” Breakfast
Our “light” breakfast included hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt, ham & cheese on croissants, smoked salmon on brioche, tomato & cucumber sandwiches, a wide assortment of pastries and muffins, fresh orange, grapefruit and cranberry juice, coffees water and teas. They also had all kinds of sugars and spices for the tea and coffee.
Group Photos
On February 3rd we got up and it was raining. Not exactly what we had thought of when we purchased Universal Studios VIP tickets. The tickets at $359 a person, were purchased many months in advance. LA had been having record rain fall for the last few weeks so we did realize it might be […]
A Star and Dinner
Next to our hotel was an In-N-Out Burgers. We had heard from interviews with stars after the Oscars that they were going to or had been to In-N-Out Burgers. So on our first night we stopped in to check it out. They serve up hamburgers that have not been frozen and fries from real potatoes […]
Grand Stairs
Hollywood & Highland is located in the heart of Hollywood and sits right on top of the Red Line subway station. The center is isolated from the Boulevard by grand stairs. When we reached the top, we saw many levels and walkways. There were a combination of stores, restaurants, clubs and live theatre. We could […]
Chinese Decor
In the middle of the ceiling, there is an eye-catching chandelier illuminating the center of a gigantic, ornate starburst surrounded by a ring of dragons. This is then encircled by a ring of icons showing scenes from Chinese drama. The interior of Grauman’s is very impressive. The original painted murals and Chinese decor, such as […]
Curtains and Boxes
TThese are the views of the Sid Grauman’s private box high above the theatre, the view of the auditorium from the private box and the two projection rooms. Inside the projection rooms. One holds the Christie projectors and the other holds two mammoth IMAX projectors that are dismantled piece-by-piece after each use.One of the clips […]
An Unusual Lobby
As we entered the lobby, through the bronze doors, the first thing we noticed was the Art Deco architecture and the carpet. It was hand-woven in China, reproduced based on swatches and images of the 1927 original. Leye Luke, from the “Kung Fu” television series, painted the two wall murals in the lobby, above the concession […]